Recycled Media

The Trade Transcription

The Trade – Episode #9 with Brett and Chad | September 4th, 2025

On this episode of The Trade – A Scrap Life, Brett and Chad analyze the “odd” and “sideways” ferrous scrap market in September, noting mill cancellation notices and fluctuating prices, while also discussing macroeconomic factors like interest rates. The guys offer strategic advice for small scrap yard owners, emphasizing strong cash flow management, timely investments, and pursuing growth opportunities during challenging markets.

Produced by Recycled Media.

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The Trade – Episode #8 with Nick, Brett and Aldo | August 15th, 2025

On this episode of A Scrap Life – The Trade, Nick and Brett are joined by Aldo Jordan, who drove from California to discuss the recent volatility in the copper trade. They delve into the dynamics of copper prices, the impact of tariffs, and how small and medium-sized businesses can strategically navigate and grow within the challenging scrap metal industry.

Produced by Recycled Media.

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The Trade – Episode #8 with Nick, Brett and Aldo | August 15th, 2025

On this episode of A Scrap Life – The Trade, Nick and Brett are joined by Aldo Jordan, who drove from California to discuss the recent volatility in the copper trade. They delve into the dynamics of copper prices, the impact of tariffs, and how small and medium-sized businesses can strategically navigate and grow within the challenging scrap metal industry.

Produced by Recycled Media.

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The Trade – Episode #7 with Nick, Brett and Chad | August 1st, 2025

On this episode of A Scrap Life, Nick, Brett and Chad delve into the current state of the scrap metal industry, dissecting pressing issues. The discussion covers macroeconomic trends, including the impact of high interest rates on demand and the disconnect between a strong stock market fueled by AI expectations and a struggling industrial sector. It also explores the volatility of raw material markets, highlighting how tariffs and global economic conditions affect prices for steel, copper, and aluminum, alongside the outlook for steel and scrap sectors amidst these challenges.

Produced by Recycled Media.

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The Trade – Episode #6 with Nick, Brett and Aldo | July 25th, 2025

On this episode of A Scrap Life, Nick, Brett and Aldo discuss critical shifts happening in the copper market for scrap recyclers and dealers. The main focus is a significant transition: the industry is moving away from the traditional Comex pricing index to the London Metal Exchange (LME) for copper. This change is occurring because Comex increasingly does not reflect physical trading, with most of its contracts traded by financial institutions rather than physical traders. In contrast, the LME more accurately represents actual physical copper trade globally.

Produced by Recycled Media.

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The Trade – Episode #5 with Brett and Chad | July 7th, 2025

On this post-July 4th episode of A Scrap Life, Nick, Brett and Chad analyze the market impact of the “Big Beautiful Bill” on business infrastructure, taxes, and the future of ferrous scrap. The guys discuss the relationship between interest rates and inflation, how tariffs affect domestic manufacturing, and the generally bullish outlook for steel and asset values. Discover insights into ferrous and non-ferrous market trends, including aluminum’s recent price increase due to lack of supply and why investing now might be the smartest move.

Produced by Recycled Media.

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The Trade – Episode #4 with Brett and Chad | June 2nd, 2025

On this episode of “The Trade,” Brett and Chad discuss the current state of the scrap metal market. They dive into a fragmented and soft market influenced by broader economic factors and trade conditions. The conversation touches on conditions in the steel and copper markets, noting challenges and potential bright spots. They also explore the impact of tariffs and market uncertainty on the industry. Despite the difficulties, the hosts discuss strategies for navigating a down market and finding opportunities to improve efficiency and solve problems. Tune in to get insights into the May trade and whether the market might be nearing a bottom.

Produced by Recycled Media.

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The Trade – Episode #3 with Brett and Chad | May 9th, 2025

On this episode of “The Trade,” Brett and Chad discuss the current state of the scrap metal market. They dive into a fragmented and soft market influenced by broader economic factors and trade conditions. The conversation touches on conditions in the steel and copper markets, noting challenges and potential bright spots. They also explore the impact of tariffs and market uncertainty on the industry. Despite the difficulties, the hosts discuss strategies for navigating a down market and finding opportunities to improve efficiency and solve problems. Tune in to get insights into the May trade and whether the market might be nearing a bottom.

Produced by Recycled Media.

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The Trade – Episode #2 with Nick, Brett and Aldo | April 22nd, 2025

In this second episode of “The Trade,” Brett dives deep into the copper market with special guest Aldo Jordan. They break down the current wild volatility and record-high copper spreads. Aldo explains how the COMEX index is increasingly influenced by financial markets rather than just supply and demand from consumers. They discuss the importance of liquidity, quality, and relationships for small to medium-sized scrap businesses navigating this challenging market. Aldo also shares advice on how to approach buying and selling in the current climate and touches on China’s changing role in copper consumption.

For help and more insights, you can reach Aldo Jordan at themetalsaggency.com.

Produced by Recycled Media.

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